Satan

Is Satan real? Where did Satan come from and why is he trying to make us miserable?

How Satan became Satan

Satan was a son of God in heaven. Isaiah 14:12 states, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!"

In the following verses (Isaiah 14:13-15), we see Satan's selfishness and pride as he wanted to elevate himself above God.

"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."

Because of his destructive and selfish attitude, God cast him to earth with other angels (God's children) who chose to follow him:

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (Revelation 12:9).

As seen in the previous verse, Satan's goal is to deceive the whole world. He is real and tempts us (as do his angels) to commit sin.

A revelation received in 1832 found in scripture called the Doctrine and Covenants gives us more understanding of the whole situation:

"And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son whom the Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son.

First of all, simply knowing that Satan exists, helps us have a deeper perspective on life and more of a knowledge of our dependence on God. As we strive to live the commandments of God and trust in Him, He will help deliver us from the temptations of Satan.

Ephesians 6:12-18 talks about the battles we have against evil and a recipe to overcome:

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Turning to Christ Gives us Strength against Satan

John 14:6 states, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Through modern scriptures received in 1831, Jesus said, "Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor [help] them who are tempted" (Doctrine and Covenants 62:1).

As we trust in Jesus, he will help us overcome temptations.

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